Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
Mendelssohn, a composer who represents German Romanticism.
He was active not only as a composer but also as a pianist and conductor, and from a young age he possessed such musical talent that he was called a child prodigy.
In this article, we introduce some of the masterpieces Mendelssohn left behind.
Whether you’re a fan of Mendelssohn or not very familiar with him, please take a look.
We hope you’ll notice the characteristics and charm of his style and discover some new favorite pieces.
If you play an instrument or sing, do try performing them yourself!
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Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (61–70)
Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” in D minor, Op. 107Felix Mendelssohn
This is music that Mendelssohn, a devout Lutheran (Martin Luther led the Reformation in opposition to the Catholic Church), refined through many revisions.
Although Mendelssohn was Jewish and therefore would have been expected to follow Judaism, in order to survive in Europe at the time one needed a Christian baptismal certificate.
After converting, he became a fervent believer.
It was the Jewish Mendelssohn who revived the St.
Matthew Passion and restored the quintessentially German Bach to prominence.
His Christian music is extraordinarily beautiful.
The first movement begins with the prayers of the Mass, the Dresden Amen, and the final movement opens with the chorale “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Luther, first intoned by the flute, and concludes with power and splendor.
In the fourth movement, he uses the serpent—a rare instrument with a sinuously curved, snake-like shape—which is now almost always substituted by the tuba.
Claudio Abbado and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53, No. 2 “Floating Clouds”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words consists of eight sets, each containing six pieces.
Most of the titles were assigned by publishers; only a few were named by the composer himself.
“Floating Clouds” was published in 1841.
The majority of Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words are in ternary form, with the melody sung by the right hand over an accompaniment played by the left.
Because these pieces often include introductions, interludes, and codas, they were likely inspired by art songs.
“Floating Clouds” is one of the pieces in the fourth set of Songs Without Words, published in 1841.
The pianist is András Schiff, born in 1953 in Budapest, Hungary.
He specializes in Classical, Romantic, and Bartók repertoires, has performed worldwide, contributed to Bach scholarship, and has received numerous awards including the Bach Prize.
In one interview he said, “I couldn’t play Beethoven’s ‘Appassionata’ until after I turned forty.
A ten-year-old child might be able to play it, but that would be like a ten-year-old playing King Lear.” He is also an honorary member of the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn.
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 1 “May Breezes”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer who epitomizes German Romanticism.
This piece, included in Book V of the collection, is a popular work noted for its gentle melody that evokes the coming of spring.
Mendelssohn was born on February 3, 1809, and despite his short life of just 38 years, he left many masterpieces.
The charm of this work lies in its main theme, interwoven with delicate ornamentation, which brings a sense of calm to the listener.
Holding an important place in piano education, this piece is ideal not only for improving technique but also for refining musical expression.
It’s a perfect recommendation for those who wish to unwind from a busy daily routine.
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 5 “Venetian Boat Song No. 3”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words is a collection of pieces that aims to express emotion using only the piano, without words.
Consisting of eight volumes and 48 pieces, it includes the highly popular Venetian Boat Song, notable for its gentle, lilting rhythm that evokes the image of a gondola gliding through the canals of Venice.
There are three pieces titled Venetian Boat Song within Songs Without Words, and this is the last of them.
Composed in 1844 in A minor, it exudes an elegant yet wistful atmosphere.
It’s a recommended piece not only for fans of Romantic music but also for those who enjoy playing the piano.
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 (incidental music)Felix Mendelssohn
The works of Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer who represents the early Romantic era, are known for honoring the classical style while embracing the emotions and imagination of Romanticism.
Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op.
61, published in 1842, is especially famous for its Wedding March, which is widely beloved as background music for wedding ceremonies.
The piece is characterized by its brilliant, majestic melody, evoking the joyous cries of fairies and the happiness of lovers.
Why not enjoy this masterpiece—expressing Mendelssohn’s dreamlike world through elegant melody—on the piano as well?
Fantasia in F-sharp minor, Op. 28 “Scottish Sonata”Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a great composer beloved for his fantastical musical style, is especially familiar to intermediate pianists and wrote many works suited to their level.
One such piece is his Fantasia in F-sharp minor, Op.
28, the “Scottish Sonata.” Its allure lies in Mendelssohn’s signature brilliance, and the third movement offers an exquisitely romantic melody.
A key challenge is the rapid sextuplets at the beginning of the third movement.
Since both hands must articulate these figures, diligent practice is essential; however, because the passage contains many repeats, this piece is an excellent fit for intermediate classical pianists who are progressing and enjoy this repertoire.
Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn
When it comes to wedding entrance songs, this is probably the first piece that comes to mind for many people.
The “pa-pa-pa-paaan” tune—it’s a classic masterpiece.
With its grand, leisurely orchestral melody, it’s brimming with celebratory spirit, just as the title suggests.
A recommended classical piece for couples who want a traditional wedding.
Songs Without Words, Book I, No. 3, Hunter’s Song, Op. 19Felix Mendelssohn
This piano piece is marked by a powerful, dynamic melody.
Skillfully depicting a hunting scene, it features a brilliant tone reminiscent of horn calls and a refined, delicate rhythm.
Included in the 1832 publication Songs Without Words, Book I, it continues to be cherished by many pianists today.
The excitement and exhilaration of the hunt portrayed in the music will captivate listeners in an instant.
Fully showcasing Felix Mendelssohn’s rich expressive power, this work is perfect for those who enjoy dazzling, energetic performances or wish to experience the piano’s wide expressive range.
Wedding March (Music Box)Felix Mendelssohn
When it comes to wedding music, Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” famous for its ta-ta-ta-taaaan motif, is well known.
This is the music box version.
Unlike the orchestral rendition, it has a very cute charm.
The soothing, relaxing feel is unique to the music box timbre.
It would work not only for the entrance but also as background music during the party.
Highly recommended for wedding receptions.
Wedding March (Jazz)Felix Mendelssohn
The cool Wedding March that starts with “ta-ta-ta–taaaan” is a piece by Mendelssohn.
In the past, classical versions were the norm, but now it’s performed in all sorts of arrangements.
There’s even a jazz version—its stylish, mature vibe is really appealing.
The Electone can handle any arrangement, which is wonderful.